What Is 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Overview

The 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was a post-season NCAA college football game that brought together two teams from the Mid-American and Western Athletic Conferences. Played on December 17, 2010, it featured the Ohio Bobcats of the MAC and the Idaho Vandals of the WAC, both seeking to end their seasons on a high note.

The game was notable for its close finish and historical significance for Ohio, which had not won a bowl game in nearly five decades. Held at Bronco Stadium on the campus of Boise State University, the event continued the tradition of Idaho’s unique bowl game, sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission.

• December 17, 2010 marks the official date of the 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, played in front of over 24,000 fans at Bronco Stadium in Boise.
• The Ohio Bobcats, representing the Mid-American Conference, entered the game with a 7–5 record and secured their first bowl win since 1963.
• The Idaho Vandals, from the Western Athletic Conference, had a 6–6 record and were playing in their first bowl game since 2009.
• Ohio won the game 24–23 after a failed two-point conversion attempt by Idaho in the final minutes, sealing the narrow victory.
• This was the 14th edition of the bowl game, originally known as the Humanitarian Bowl before rebranding in 2007 due to sponsorship.

How It Works

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl operates as an NCAA-sanctioned post-season game, matching teams from different conferences based on rankings, availability, and sponsorship agreements. The selection process and game format follow standard bowl protocols, with added promotional elements tied to Idaho’s potato industry.

• Bowl Eligibility: Teams must achieve at least 6 wins during the regular season to qualify for any NCAA bowl game, including the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
• Conference Tie-Ins: In 2010, the game featured teams from the MAC and WAC, which had formal agreements to supply participants.
• Game Location: The bowl has been held at Bronco Stadium in Boise since 1997, home to Boise State University’s football team.
• Sponsorship: The Idaho Potato Commission rebranded the game in 2007, contributing financially and providing promotional potato-themed elements.
• Player Awards: The MVP receives a potato-shaped trophy, and all players receive gift packages that include Idaho potatoes.
• Television Broadcast: The 2010 game aired on ESPN, reaching a national audience and contributing to the bowl’s growing visibility.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl with broader NCAA bowl game trends from that year.

The 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was slightly below average in attendance compared to other bowl games that season, but its dramatic finish and historical context for Ohio elevated its significance. Unlike higher-profile bowls, it served as a platform for mid-tier programs to gain national exposure, while maintaining a strong regional identity through its unique sponsorship.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl holds lasting importance in college football history due to its dramatic outcome and symbolic value for smaller programs. It highlighted how postseason opportunities can transform team legacies and boost recruiting and morale.

• Ohio’s 24–23 win ended a 47-year bowl victory drought, marking a turning point for the program under coach Frank Solich.
• The game demonstrated the competitive balance in mid-major college football, where underdogs can achieve national recognition.
• Idaho’s narrow loss still provided valuable exposure and experience for a team rebuilding under new leadership.
• The Idaho Potato Commission’s sponsorship set a precedent for creative, regionally-focused bowl branding across NCAA events.
• It contributed to Boise’s reputation as a college football destination, reinforcing Bronco Stadium’s role in hosting major games.
• The broadcast on ESPN helped increase viewership for non-power conference teams, supporting the NCAA’s goal of broader inclusion.

Ultimately, the 2010 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl was more than just a game—it was a milestone for Ohio football and a showcase of how tradition, marketing, and athletic competition can intersect in memorable ways.